Coming out of the bye, Detroit Lions fans were hoping to see standout veteran safety Kerby Joseph back on the practice field in preparation for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Joseph missed Detroit’s last game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7 because of a lingering knee injury that he initially suffered in Week 4. Despite having two weeks off, Joseph did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, which is never a good sign. And on Friday morning, Lions head coach Dan Campbell seemingly confirmed Joseph’s status for Sunday’s game.
According to Tim Twentyman of Lions.com, Campbell told reporters that he doesn’t see Joseph playing against the Vikings. However, the Lions' head coach did pass on a bit of good news, saying that the vet’s injury is “improving.”
While it's a shame that Joseph won’t be playing, it now presents another opportunity for backup Thomas Harper to make his second start of the 2025 season.
Thomas Harper on Verge of Making 2nd Consecutive with Kerby Joseph Sidelined
The 24-year-old Harper was thrust into the starting lineup in Week 7 after joining the Lions at the end of the preseason. In his first two games in the Motor City, Harper played 23 total snaps on special teams.
However, that tide started to turn in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs, as Harper played 10 defensive snaps in addition to 12 snaps on special teams. However, when his number was called upon in Week 7 to start in place of Joseph, the former Las Vegas Raiders defensive back gave it everything he had.
Harper was a part of a patchwork secondary that held Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield to a 56.0%completion rate (second-lowest this season) and a season’s worst 4.6 yards per pass attempt.
As for Harper, he racked up three combined tackles and a pass deflection across a career-high 69 snaps. He also possessed a 42.4 passer rating allowed when targeted. The Lions couldn’t ask for anything better from Harper, and hope that he can play well again on Sunday.
Another standout performance from Harper will help Detroit in the short term, but also going forward. While Joseph’s injury is improving by Campbell’s standards, it's unclear when he’ll next play. Therefore, having a reliable backup in Harper allows Detroit to take its time with Joseph, who is essential to the success of the Lions’ secondary.